practicable

adjective

ˈprak-ti-kə-bəl 
Definition of practicable
1
as in possible
capable of being done or carried out a solution that is not practicable in the time available to us

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in applicable
capable of being put to use or account a practicable knowledge of carpentry that came in handy when he volunteered to build houses for underprivileged families

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in useful
capable of or suitable for being used for a particular purpose that flimsy little saw is not a very practicable tool for cutting heavy tree branches

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective practicable differ from other similar words?

The words feasible and possible are common synonyms of practicable. While all three words mean "capable of being realized," practicable implies that something may be effected by available means or under current conditions.

a solution that is not practicable in the time available

When is feasible a more appropriate choice than practicable?

The words feasible and practicable are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, feasible applies to what is likely to work or be useful in attaining the end desired.

commercially feasible for mass production

In what contexts can possible take the place of practicable?

Although the words possible and practicable have much in common, possible implies that a thing may certainly exist or occur given the proper conditions.

a possible route up the west face of the mountain

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of practicable Those decisions should be made with a commitment to replenishing reserves as soon as practicable. — Phillip Molnar, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Apr. 2026 Under the settlement agreement, CSU must provide notice to employees as soon as reasonably practicable before complying with any subpoena for employees’ personal information unless notice would be prohibited by law or regulation, according to a statement from the California Faculty Association. — Edsource, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026 Any future accommodation will be privately funded by the King, and it's understood that the move will happen as soon as practicable. — Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 14 Jan. 2026 McCuskey says a testing regimen is just not practicable and that Becky can still compete, but on a boys team. — ABC News, 12 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for practicable
Recent Examples of Synonyms for practicable
  1. possible
  2. applicable
  3. useful
  4. achievable
  5. practical
  6. available
  7. feasible
  8. applied
Adjective
  • Choose one repeatable step, book it into your calendar, and let consistency make the plan more possible.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Lawmakers in Canada, in an effort to be diplomatic, had rescinded that Online Streaming Act to get more favorable terms on a possible cross-border trade and tariffs deal.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 24 Aug. 2026
Definition of possible
Adjective
  • Beaver’s letter said the county’s approval processes complied with applicable legal standards, and the county has no jurisdiction over federal or state level approvals.
    — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • A lot of the principles in beauty — how to maximize business and go after brands — were very applicable here.
    — David Moin, Footwear News, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of applicable
Adjective
  • The most useful example turned out to be something Alexa had previously done very well.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Removing dye, however, is only useful to recycling if the process does not destroy the cellulose along with it.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of useful
Adjective
  • The State Board of Education has set a target of 6% chronic absenteeism statewide; Russell-Tucker described that number as ambitious but achievable.
    — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 20 Aug. 2026
  • The core framework involves defining specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals.
    — ByKaren R. McDaniel, Forbes.com, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of achievable
Adjective
  • Single stairs allow apartments to span more of a narrow lot and make three-bedroom floor plans practical again.
    — Adam Drakulic, Chicago Tribune, 23 Aug. 2026
  • While the robot horse remains more of a technological showcase than a practical replacement for conventional vehicles, its appearance at one of China’s largest robotics events also illustrates the rapid expansion of the country’s robotics industry.
    — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 23 Aug. 2026
Definition of practical
Adjective
  • Perfumer Jérôme Epinette added two more scents — Embrace, and D’lish — to join the already available Thrill, Splash, Crush, Sweet, and Vibe.
    — Kathryn Hopkins, Footwear News, 26 Aug. 2026
  • More than 200 titles will launch with Indonesian dubbing, with a wider slate available in Indonesian subtitles.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of available
Adjective
  • Innovations in camera technology have made oners increasingly feasible, and there’s a risk of them getting flattened out, into just being generic action beats.
    — Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 21 Aug. 2026
  • For a mill built around varied fabrics and relatively small runs, the company said the machine’s value lies increasingly in making difficult designs feasible, rather than simply making familiar ones faster.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Aug. 2026
Definition of feasible
Adjective
  • FutureTex will work with domestic manufacturers to commercialize applied research, modernize facilities and equipment—plus incorporate digital infrastructure and other emerging technologies into production.
    — Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 17 Aug. 2026
  • Steve Hanke, a professor of applied economics at Johns Hopkins University, argues the conventional interest-rate story misses the real culprit.
    — Nicholas Gordon, Fortune, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of applied

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pox
practicable
practical
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Cite this Entry

“Practicable.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/practicable. Accessed 27 Aug. 2026.

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